Purple Angel bespoke MP3 Music Players for People Living with Dementia.

Hiya all, please share this with every care home manager/carer/family member, activity coordinator / Nurse /hospital you know. This is all the information you will need in one place

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PURPLE ANGEL BESPOKE MP3 MUSIC PLAYERS FOR DEMENTIA.

Research has proved that music lights up more parts of the brain than any other activity known to mankind. If that’s not enough, some research in the USA says that the receptor in the brain that receives the music signal is never affected by dementia.

The MP3 music players we design are bespoke to the individual. We ask family and close friends to tell us 10 or 12 absolute favourite songs for the person with dementia. With our players every song will be a favourite.

We found that, by placing the MP3 headphones on residents with dementia intermittently during the day, their brain activity is stimulated and switches on all kinds of emotions – even bringing back the ability to converse in some cases. We have found that whilst the music is playing they can remember where they heard the music, what they were doing at the time and possibly in some cases how they used to love playing a musical instrument. It is without a doubt amazing to witness.

The other benefits are – when this is done no less than 30 minutes prior to mealtimes – they start to enjoy themselves, move about, sing along and feel more like eating and drinking. There is no reason whatsoever why they can’t also take meals whilst listening to music in their earphones.

The MP3s are small in size and the earphones are comfy, they are not just earbuds but the wider cushion effect earphones. These must be monitored by staff if clients are prone to throwing things or become very fidgety or distressed. This is NOT a one size fits all and we do not claim success every time but we have always worked on the theory that if it works for just a few people and helps them have a better quality of life, it is worthwhile. We have been working and collating evidence on this for the last few years and have had some incredible results and feedback.

Purple Angel can deliver this for free because we raise funds for it. The problem: The personal MP3 players have become so popular we are being inundated with orders so the cost to other establishments such as Memory Cafes; GP waiting rooms and Hospitals will be £30 per player. At the Purple Angel, we will continue to provide as many as possible free, but please help us to fundraise for this much needed cause! For more details please email:

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Before this lady was given the MP3 all she did was……………….

“Sit and stare into space “

“As QUOTED by her Granddaughter “

Please watch these two videos, Each ONLY a few secs long,

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Please contact me for more information on

norrms@gmail.com (Two rr`s in norrms please)

REPORTS from a care establishment:

We have had 13 MP3 players with personalised music and headphones. Out of the 13 residents, we have seen positive changes in 11 residents and some unbelievable changes that have astounded us. For one resident that the MP3 player did not work for, we gave it to another resident not eating and drinking and spending most of the day asleep. This resident is now alert, eating and drinking.

We have 2 residents who were on end of life that have come back to life since the introduction of the MP3 players.

What we have seen residents speaking more, residents who never communicate verbally have been speaking. Residents have been putting on weight and have been much more alert.

Staff have been so excited by the results they have asked us to request more MP3 players for other residents. Families who have seen the reaction of residents listening to the MP3 players have asked if we can get them for their relatives.

The difference the MP3 players have made has to almost be seen to be believed. With BG (Da Vinci) who was approaching the end of her life, not accepting personal care, not eating or drinking and was very thin. To see her now right from the moment she had her MP3 player – singing, dancing, smiling, talking, eating and drinking and has gained some weight. Every day I see her, I still cannot believe the change.

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The next logical step was to try and help those with dementia who visit A+E and also possibly those who have to stay in Hospital for a short time. The above way of doing things could not be done because of timescales and limitations to the right information about the person, so, with the help and agreement of the Wonderful Torbay Hospital we have decided to trial these in three departments within Torbay Hospital but it will be approached a little differently, please let me explain.

Imagine if you were sitting in A+E and the loved one with you was becoming very agitated as we all can (please remember I have dementia myself) and you had some music to take their mind off things for a while handed to you by a member of staff (To return of course) Or if you were a nurse at your absolute wits end (We are ALL only human after all) because a person with dementia is pacing, or agitated, or worse, on your ward and you had one of these at hand to try and calm the situation?

The evidence I have collated when I have asked about this idea on social media was most were in favour of trialling this and just a couple were worried it may not suit some. And I have to say I agree with all views. As we know from the home based MP3s not all work and some will not tolerate the noise from the music or indeed having anything on their heads.

First of all the headphones will be disposable and changed on every occasion because of health and safety. Then the music uploaded to the two MP3 players and will also be of a different format. There will be 25 songs/ tunes instead of the usual 12.

The Mp3s for the hospitals are different in so much that they are not bespoke and personal to the patent as it’s such a fluid situation but are picked out according to an age range. Now, this wasn’t done just by myself, I am so lucky to have so many friends on facebook etc. I asked each and every one between the ages of 55 and 75 what their TOP THREE all-time favourite songs were. I can promise you I had over 1,000 suggestions and had to dwindle it down to just 50, which is 25 tracks for each MP3. One Mp3 will be for those aged 55 to 70 years old and the other for 70 years and older.

1. We Are the Champions – Queen

2. Bridge over Troubled Water – Simon and Garfunkel

3. Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison

4. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

5. Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles

6. Lying eyes – Eagles

7. Delilah – Tom Jones

8. Half Way To paradise – Billy Fury

9. Baker Street – Gerry Rafferty

10. Heard it Through The Grapevine – Marvin Gaye

11. Sitting On The Dock of A Bay – Otis Redding

12. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler

13. Stand By Me – Ben E King

14. He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother – The Hollies

15. Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

16. A whiter shade of pale – Procol Harem

17. Walk Of Life – Dire Straits

18. Unchained Melody – Islay Bothers

19. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen

20. House of the rising sun – The Animals

21. Angels – Robbie Williams

22. That’s Amore – Dean Martin

23. Que Sera Sera – Doris day

24. In the Summertime – Mungo jerry

25. Living on a prayer – Jon Bon Jovi

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1. You’re My World – Cilla Black

2. You raise me up – Josh Groban

3. Jailhouse rock – Elvis Presley

4. A whiter shade of pale – Procol Harem

5. In dreams – Roy Orbison

6. Over the rainbow – Judy Garland

7. My Girl – Temptations

8. I remember you – Frank Ifield

9. Half Way To paradise – Billy Fury

10. Coward of the county – Kenny Rogers

11. When I Fall In love – Nat king Cole

12. Blueberry Hill – Fats Domino

13. Peggy Sue – Buddy Holly

14. Rhinestone cowboy – Glen Campbell

15. Love me tender – Elvis Presley

16 Mr. Bo jangles – Sammy Davis jnr

17. Build me up buttercup – The Foundations

18 Apache – The Shadows.

19. The twist – Chubby Checker

20. Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny yellow polka dot bikini – Brian Hyland

21 Green green grass of Home – Tom Jones

22. Shake Rattle and Roll – Bill Hayley and the Comets

23 In the Mood – Glen Miller

24 Those were the days my friend – Mary Hopkins

25 Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum

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” We have been trialing the use of MP3 players for patients with Dementia, Cognitive impairment or indeed those patients who may find the clinical environment distressing as ways of providing comfort and distraction.

We have rolled this out across two of our Emergency Assessment Units and our Emergency Department.

Everyone involved with this project from the Nurses to the patients and their carers has seen the positive effect this intervention can have. Whilst we have been very mindful to ensure these are always appropriately used and their use monitored to ensure it is having a positive effect the overwhelming opinion is that these have been really beneficial.

A confused man who was trying to get out of bed and was getting distressed was given the mp3 PLAYER.

The result was amazing, he has been singing, dancing in the bed, and had a little tear. He said ‘here’s one for you Sandra’ to one song.

It has been lovely to watch.

We have used a number of these on EAU3 now and they have been great.

“A distressed patient who had Learning difficulties was really upset by the bright and busy environment in our Emergency Dept. We gave him our MP3 players and his ‘face just lit up’ he was singing and clapping and his carer was amazed at how calm and reassured he was.”

I have now used the MP3 players with two patients on our ward. Both of whom are suffering with dementia. Purple Angels and I had decided that initially it would be best to simply have two on the ward to use and gather feedback with. I have purchased a small notebook to keep this in and have been also provided with many pairs of disposable headphones I have given to the two patients to have in their rooms/bed space. One MP3 player has been uploaded with general music for people aged over 70, and the other for the over 55’s.

I hope to someday fundraise for a few bespoke players and have the time on the ward to get the families involved in choosing the music for their loved one.

Last week during our monthly ward meeting, I presented this project and my hopes for it to my colleagues. I also provided Purple Angel’s pamphlets for them to peruse at their leisure. We have decided to lock them away in one of the locked cupboards in the treatment room so they will be safe, yet accessible. I have also reached out to the ward manager on the other general medical ward in our hospital Harbour, and hope I can present this to them this upcoming week. If they “bite” then I will be approaching the kind folks at P.A. for another set up for their ward, as I’m not working there. I hope to possibly find another person passionate on Harbour to take it on for them and manage the feedback on that ward. Eventually I hope to take this wonderful project over to Garner ward which is the dementia ward, so we know they could use them!!

Here is the feedback I have received so far:

13/9/18

P.G. aged 88

“It’s lovely darling”

“Can I borrow this for a little while”?

“Thank you very much darling”

Agitated at first but continued talking through the music but happy to have it on. Tolerated for 10 minutes then said to “Wait until after tea”.

Later that evening…..

Patient very aggravated- MP3 player on- patient settled.

“Enjoying the music”.

Tapping his hand on the arm of the chair. Listened happily for quite awhile.

17/9

Called out the entire time while the ear phones we in and music on but didn’t want me to turn it off.

19/9

Seems to be enjoying the music and it made him less agitated this time. Had it on for hours this time and did not want me to turn it off or take the earbuds out all through this daughter’s visit.

20/9/18

Offered it to him but he declined this afternoon.

19/9/18

D.S. aged 90

Turned the volume way up for him and he seemed to enjoy it.

“Not bad” (but then seemed to calm and relax….lulled to sleep for approx 40 mins when usually he is trying to get up and antsy at all times) Eventually he awoke and took the earphones out and didn’t want to continue listening.

20/9/18

Offered him the player again but he declined at this time, “Thank you”

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We have had 13 MP3 players with personalised music and headphones. Out of the 13 residents, we have seen positive changes in 11 residents and some unbelievable changes that have astounded us. For one resident that the MP3 player did not work for, we gave it to another resident not eating and drinking and spending most of the day asleep. This resident is now alert, eating and drinking.

We have 2 residents who were on end of life that have come back to life since the introduction of the MP3 players.

What we seen residents speaking more, residents who never communicate verbally have been speaking. Residents have been putting on weight and have been much more alert.

Staff have been so excited by the results they have asked us to request more MP3 players for other residents. Families who have seen the reaction of residents listening to the MP3 players have asked if we can get them for their relatives.

The difference the MP3 players have made has to almost be seen to be believed. With BG (Da Vinci) who was approaching the end of her life, not accepting personal care, not eating or drinking and was very thin. To see her now right from the moment she had her MP3 player – singing, dancing, smiling, talking, eating and drinking and has gained some weight. Every day I see her, I still cannot believe the change.

We cannot thank Norrms and Purple Angel enough, you have brought so much joy to so many residents, their family and the staff.

Shona Bradbury

Home Manager Appleby House, Epsom, Surrey

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DZ (Picasso) – DZ is a lovely lady who lived in Germany, she can be very quiet and will decline to join in activities or interaction he likes to read but is becoming sleepier. Since receiving her MP3 player with German folk music on she seems happier in herself especially whilst she is wearing her headphones, her appetite has improved slightly and she’s more alert at the table.

JG (Van Gogh) “JG can be anxious at times when in a crowded place or with lots of noise. She sits and sings along to her MP3 player for shorts bursts of time, she is happy whilst they are on and will sing at the top of her voice.” BS, carer

Evaluation – There is not a lot of evidence to suggest that it is helping to ease her anxiety at the moment.

EH (Renoir) – EH is a lovely lady who enjoys art sessions and she loves to read, she came from a big Italian family however she has stopped communicating verbally as much as she used to and can be quite sleepy. Her daughter chose all her favourite Italian classical songs for her player and the effect when she is listening to her music is truly magical, she sings along to the songs with a big smile on her face.EH is being more alert and active, she is more aware and communicating with longer sentences and her mood is lifted”. DS, carer

(Email message from EN Daughter and Granddaughter)

“Dear Shona, I would like to say how much my mum’s speech and memory appears to have improved since she has had the MP3 player with her favourite Italian songs. She has been singing along with all of the songs and it has definitely stimulated her into remembering once again the music she grew up with in her Italian family and it makes both myself and my daughter particularly happy knowing how much it has enhanced her wellbeing, Thank you so much for choosing my mum to be recipient of such a simple yet effective gift, with our best wishes.” Daughter and granddaughter

DS (Renoir) – DS is a lovely lady who is very emotional many times throughout the day and she becomes anxious for her family. The MP3 player has changed DS mood dramatically. She is less tearful and when she is feeling emotional then the headphones will brighten her mood and this last for a considerable time. This has made such a change to her wellbeing on a day to day basis. DS also likes to be sung too, especially Patsy Cline – Crazy, she joins in and it makes her happier”. DS and M carers

JS (Van Gogh) – “JS was very quiet and had lost the ability to engage in conversation, since wearing her headphones she as an awareness and is now speaking words and she is making eye contact and smiling and answering yes or no questions. JS seems happier and is ready to smile when engaged”. BS, carer and CS, team leader

(Email message from JS daughter to Norrms)

Hello Norm,

I would just like to say thank you for taking the time to put music on to an I pod / MP3 player for my mum. (JS)

My mum has lost the ability to speak her communication is limited she does say some words but her facial expressions say it all she smiles with her eyes and she still laughs and rolls her eyes, but it has been getting less and then she was picked to have one of the I pods you are doing and it has been so amazing we sit with her while she has the headphones on and you can see in her face how she is really enjoying the music and that it is sparking memories. She taps her foot to the beats and she looks and smiles she also starts to try and talk you can see it is making a difference she may not be dancing in her seat or trying to sing but you can see her really listening and taking it in,

I love sitting there and holding her hand while she just listens she will look at me she is very tactile and the other day while listening she stroked my face which is so lovely as I miss my mum to talk to and to share with I feel like the mum and she is my child which all day long I will look after her and do anything for her she is my world she brought me into this world and she looked after me but I do miss her.